What you need to teach high school

To teach high school in the United States, you need a bachelor's degree, a teaching credential (also called a teaching certificate), and a passing score on your state's content and pedagogy exams. The exact requirements vary by state — some require a master's degree within five years of hire, others do not. You must also pass a background check.

Most states require you to major in the subject you want to teach or complete a subject-specific minor alongside an education major. If you already have a bachelor's degree in a subject, you can pursue a credential through an alternative certification program instead of returning to school for a full second degree.

The path takes between two and four years depending on whether you start with a bachelor's degree already in hand and which state you plan to teach in.

Key Takeaways

  • You must earn a bachelor's degree and pass your state's content exam in the subject you want to teach before you can earn a teaching credential.
  • A teaching credential requires coursework in pedagogy, child development, and classroom management, plus a supervised student teaching placement that typically lasts one semester.
  • Each state sets its own exam requirements and credential standards, so the timeline and cost differ significantly by location.
  • If you already hold a bachelor's degree, an alternative certification program can get you a credential in one to two years without repeating general education courses.
  • Most states require fingerprinting and a background check before you can be hired, and some require a master's degree within five years of employment.

Getting your bachelor's degree with a teaching focus

If you are starting from high school, enroll in a four-year university or college with a strong education program. Choose a major in the subject you want to teach — English, mathematics, biology, history, chemistry, or another high school subject — or pair a major in any subject with a minor in education.

During your first two years, you will complete general education requirements (writing, math, science, humanities) alongside introductory courses in your major. In your third and fourth years, you will take upper-level courses in your subject area and begin education courses such as Introduction to Teaching, Adolescent Development, and Curriculum Design.

Your university's education department will guide you toward courses that satisfy your state's content standards. Some states require specific coursework — for example, a high school English teacher in California must complete courses in American literature, British literature, and composition. Check your state's Department of Education website for the exact list before you choose your courses.

Passing your state's content exam

Before you can earn a teaching credential, you must pass a content exam in your subject area. This exam tests your knowledge of the material you will teach. The exam name and format depend on your state and subject.

In California, high school teachers take the California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET). In New York, they take the Content Specialty Test (CST). In Texas, they take the appropriate Examinations for Texas Educators (TExES) exam. Each state uses different tests, so search "[your state] high school teacher content exam" to find the exact name and registration details.

Most people take the content exam during their final year of their bachelor's degree or shortly after graduation. You can take it multiple times if you do not pass on your first attempt. Exam fees range from $100 to $300 depending on the state and subject.

Enrolling in a teacher credential program

After you pass your content exam, you enroll in a teacher credential program. This program teaches you how to teach — classroom management, lesson planning, assessment, special education law, and how adolescents learn. It is separate from your subject knowledge and typically takes one to two years.

Credential programs come in two forms: university-based programs attached to a college or university, and alternative certification programs run by independent organizations. University-based programs are often part of a master's degree, so you earn both your credential and a master's in education at the same time. Alternative programs are usually faster and less expensive but vary widely in quality.

If you already have a bachelor's degree in your subject, an alternative program is often the faster route. If you are still working toward your bachelor's, a university-based program that combines your major with credential coursework is usually more efficient.

Completing student teaching

Every credential program requires student teaching, a supervised placement in an actual high school classroom where you teach real students under the guidance of an experienced teacher called a cooperating teacher. Student teaching typically runs for one full semester (16 weeks) and is unpaid.

During student teaching, you start by observing and assisting your cooperating teacher, then gradually take over more of the teaching. By the end, you are leading most or all of the lessons while your cooperating teacher observes and gives feedback. Your university supervisor visits the classroom several times to evaluate your performance.

You must pass your student teaching placement to earn your credential. Your cooperating teacher and university supervisor will assess your classroom management, lesson planning, subject knowledge, and ability to work with students of different learning levels.

Passing your pedagogy exam and earning your credential

After you complete student teaching, you take your state's pedagogy exam, which tests your knowledge of teaching methods, classroom law, and how students learn. Like the content exam, this test is state-specific. California calls it the CSET Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities exam. New York calls it the Educating All Students (EAS) exam. Texas includes pedagogy in its TExES exam.

Once you pass the pedagogy exam and complete your credential program, you submit your paperwork to your state's Department of Education. They conduct a background check (fingerprinting is required in all states) and issue your teaching credential, usually within four to eight weeks.

Your credential is valid in your state only. If you move to another state, you will need to explore for a credential in that state, though many states have reciprocity agreements that make the process faster.

Finding your first teaching job

Once you have your credential in hand, you can explore for high school teaching positions. Most districts hire in the spring for the following fall, so begin looking in February or March. You will need a resume, cover letter, and references from your cooperating teacher and university supervisor.

Job postings appear on district websites, on job boards like Indeed and TeachingJobs.com, and through your university's career services office. Some districts hold job fairs where you can interview with multiple schools at once.

Your first year of teaching is often the hardest — you will work long hours planning lessons, grading, and adjusting to classroom management. Many states require new teachers to complete an induction program during their first two years, which includes mentoring and professional development.

Master's degree requirements in some states

Some states require teachers to earn a master's degree within a set number of years after hire. California requires it within five years. New York requires it within three years for teachers hired after 2004. Texas does not require a master's degree. Check your state's requirements before you accept a job, because this affects your long-term cost and time commitment.

If your state requires a master's degree, you can often earn it while teaching full-time by taking evening and summer courses. Many universities offer master's programs designed for working teachers. Some districts offer tuition reimbursement to help cover the cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I teach high school with just a bachelor's degree and no credential?

No. Every state requires a teaching credential to teach in a public high school. Private schools sometimes hire teachers without credentials, but they are the exception. If you want to teach in a public school, you must complete a credential program and pass your state's exams.

How much does it cost to become a high school teacher?

Costs vary widely. A bachelor's degree at a public university costs $20,000 to $100,000 depending on whether you attend in-state or out-of-state. A credential program adds $5,000 to $30,000. Alternative certification programs are usually cheaper than university-based programs. Exams cost $100 to $300 each. Many teachers take out student loans to cover these costs.

What if I already have a bachelor's degree in a different subject?

You can still become a high school teacher, but you will need to pass a content exam in the subject you want to teach and complete a credential program. Some alternative certification programs let you take content coursework alongside your credential courses if your previous degree is not in your teaching subject. This adds time but costs less than a full second bachelor's degree.

Do I need a master's degree to become a high school teacher?

Not to start. You need a bachelor's degree and a credential. However, some states require you to earn a master's degree within three to five years after you are hired. Check your state's rules before you accept a job. If your state requires it, you can usually earn it part-time while teaching.

How long does it take to become a high school teacher if I already have a bachelor's degree?

If your bachelor's degree is in the subject you want to teach, you can complete an alternative credential program in one to two years. If your degree is in a different subject, add time for content coursework — typically six months to one year. Student teaching adds one semester. Total time is usually 18 months to two years.